The insane rally that summed up Dimitrov-Nadal classic

Rafael Nadal's epic semi-final win had everything, but there was one rally in the deciding set that summed up how hard he had to work against Grigor Dimitrov.

The Spaniard set up a dream Australian Open final against Roger Federer after outlasting Bulgarian 15th-seed Dimitrov 6-3 5-7 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 in four hours and 56 minutes.

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And an epic rally early in the deciding set, with both players locked at 1-1, typified what Nadal was up against in one of the greatest matches ever seen on Australian shores.

Both players were trading brutal baseline blows when a superb defensive lob from Nadal had Dimitrov reeling.

Dimitrov looked done for when he lost his footing. Pic: Channel 7

The Bulgarian almost fell over as he gave chase, before hobbling the last few steps to the ball as it bounced centimetres inside the baseline.

He looked gone for all money but somehow fashioned an unorthodox overhead lob that Nadal easily returned.

A creative lob got the Bulgarian back in the rally. Pic: Channel 7

But Dimitrov ended an incredible point with a stunning forehand winner that almost lifted the roof off Rod Laver Arena.

"Oh my goodness," Jim Courier exclaimed in commentary.

"Dimitrov looked like one of his tyres blew out, slipped there, hits a creative shot to stay back in it.

"Watch his feet here, we were worried he might have injured himself the way he got up from it.

"This was a great shot to stay alive and then he finds a winner? Ha ha this is crazy!"

Dimitrov knew he'd dodged a bullet after winning the point. Pic: Channel 7

Nadal got the pivotal break at 4-4 in the fifth set - after saving multiple break points in the previous game - before holding his nerve to serve it out, moving into his fourth final at Melbourne Park.

The win obviously meant a lot to Nadal. Image: Getty

"To qualify for the final in a match like this means a lot to me," an exhausted Nadal said.

"I never, ever dreamed to be back in the final of the Australian Open in the second tournament of the year, after a lot of months without competing.

"But here I am now. I feel lucky. I feel very happy really."